Jonathan Milner

Jonathan Milner is a highly experienced and active angel investor, best known as the founder and former CEO of Abcam plc, a global leader in the supply of research antibodies and reagents. After building Abcam from its inception in 1998 into a FTSE 250 company with a market capitalization exceeding £2 billion, Milner transitioned from his executive role in 2014 to focus on early-stage investing and mentoring. His deep operational expertise in the life sciences sector provides significant value to the startups he backs.

Milner primarily focuses his investments on early-stage life science and deep tech companies, leveraging his extensive network and understanding of the scientific research and biotechnology landscape. In 2020, he formalized a significant portion of his investment activities by launching Meltwind Ventures, a dedicated fund initially capitalized with £20 million (approximately $25 million USD). This fund underscores his commitment to fostering innovation within the scientific community, particularly within the vibrant Cambridge, UK, cluster.

Through Meltwind Ventures and his personal angel investments, Jonathan Milner targets companies poised for significant growth and disruptive impact. He typically provides first cheques ranging from £250,000 to £1 million (approximately $312,500 to $1.25 million USD), aiming to support 10-15 new companies annually. Beyond capital, Milner is known for his hands-on approach, offering strategic guidance and mentorship to founders, drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey and success in scaling a global life sciences business. His investment thesis emphasizes strong scientific foundations, large market opportunities, and exceptional management teams.